Six common boiler problems

It’s easy to forget how reliant we are on our heating system until we encounter a problem. And when that happens, chances are it will be at a very inconvenient time, such as during a blast of cold weather.

Maintaining your boiler with regular services carried out by professionals, such as those at Bristol Boiler Service, is a good idea to help avoid major problems, but there are a number of minor faults that are commonly seen by engineers. Here, we take a look at the six most frequent boiler problems.

Remember, even if you feel you can identify a boiler problem yourself, you should only allow a qualified expert to work on your boiler to ensure the work is done safely and legally. You can look up registered engineers on the Gas Safe register here: https://www.gassaferegister.co.uk/.
1 – Your boiler works intermittently

Having intermittent hot water and heating is a frustrating problem which could be caused by a number of issues such as airlocks or thermostat and valve failures. Simple checks of the pilot light and thermostat control can usually detect and resolve this issue quickly.
2 – Drips or leaks from your boiler

If you notice drips or leaks coming from your boiler, call in a Gas Safe registered engineer from a company such as https://www.bristolboilerservice.co.uk/ since this could be a sign of more serious internal damage.

3 – A noisy boiler

A build-up of limescale within your heating system can cause blockages and lead to your boiler making unusual whistling or banging sounds. Known as ‘kettling’, this issue can become expensive to fix and shorten the lifespan of your boiler.

4 – Pilot light going out

If the blue flame of your pilot light keeps going out, it’s a sign there is a problem somewhere within your boiler. Very often the cause is a faulty thermocouple preventing the gas supply from reaching your boiler.

5 – Low boiler pressure

If your boiler pressure is below 1, it’s unlikely that your boiler will be functioning properly. This may be a result of a damaged pressure relief valve, or a leak in your system.

6 – Unevenly heated radiators

Radiators not heating evenly can be the result of trapped air. To maintain the efficiency of your heating system, this air needs to be released through a process known as ‘bleeding’.